Friday, March 27, 2026 • Just in time to plan your weekend
An “In-Between The Issues” look at events, people, dining, and entertaining in southern Cobb County, from the publishers of The Bright Side community newspapers of southern Cobb. Deadline for the April issue is March 31st. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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GEORGIA FOOD +WINE FESTIVAL TODAY – SUNDAY
The Georgia Food + Wine Festival celebrates the best of our region with chef-driven tastings, exceptional wines and spirits, live cooking stages, and experiences inspired by the flavors of the South. Each event is crafted to highlight local talent, regional ingredients, and the vibrant culinary community that makes Georgia unique.
For three days Jim Miller Park in Marietta will be filled with guests enjoying a special array of food and wine and fun. Beginning Friday, March 27 through March 29, there will special tastings, cooking demonstrations, and culinary experiences for adults and for the entire family.
The mission is simple: highlight the people and ingredients that define Georgia’s food culture, support local businesses, and create an unforgettable weekend of connection and community. Each event is crafted to offer something unique, from intimate tastings to high-energy celebrations.
For more information about the 2026 Georgia Food +Wine Festival and The Chef’s Table Experience, visit www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com. Find a description of each day’s events and buy tickets for desired event online. |
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Read the March Bright Side.
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WELLSTAR COBB HOLDS CELEBRATION FOR PARENTS
Families gathered at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center for the annual Community Baby Shower, an event designed to celebrate motherhood while helping parents prepare for the arrival of their little ones.
Held on the hospital’s front lawn near the Women’s Center lobby, the celebration featured mini-education sessions, maternity tours, vendor information, snacks, and giveaways for attendees. Expectant parents had the opportunity to learn more about pregnancy, labor, and delivery while connecting with healthcare professionals and local resources.
Hospital leaders say supporting moms, moms-to-be, and growing families is a priority at every stage of pregnancy — from the first prenatal appointment through delivery and the early days of parenthood. While each birth experience is unique, the hospital’s maternity team works to ensure families feel informed, confident, and cared for.
Wellstar Cobb’s Obstetric Program holds a Level III Maternal Care Center designation, awarded by both The Joint Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Health, recognizing its ability to care for mothers with complex medical needs. Events like the Community Baby Shower provide families with valuable education and resources ahead of the big day, helping parents feel prepared, supported, and ready to welcome their newest family member.
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APRIL SBA LUNCHEON SET FOR APRIL 2
Join members of Smyrna Business Association for their April Networking Luncheon on April 2 from 11:30 until 1 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center. The meeting features speaker Charles Beirne, General Manager and CEO of the Cobb Convention Center.
Charles will share insights on the upcoming expansion and what it means for Smyrna’s business community and future growth. Registration deadline is Tuesday before the luncheon.
Please note, if not registered by the Tuesday before the luncheon, attendees are still welcome at the door, just note the buffet may not be available if not accounted for and price would then be adjusted. Click here for registration. |
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Place your advertising in the Bright Side eWeekly for only $25 per week
(minimum of 4 weeks).
Contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or
by email at cslipsett@att.net for more information.
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2026 FRIENDS OF LIBRARY LECTURES WILL CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH
Several of the lectures at the Smyrna library in 2026 will celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial (America250) by profiling Founding Fathers and Mothers of our state and country. All lectures will take place in the library meeting room.
On Sunday, April 12 from 3 -4 p.m., Dr. William Marchione, retired professor of history, lecturer, oral historian and the author of “A Brief History of Smyrna, Georgia.” will present “James Edward Oglethorpe: Georgia’s Founding Father.” Oglethorpe’s life and career, with its myriad twists and turns, is both fascinating and instructive, foreshadowing in many ways the complex history of the state he helped found.
On Sunday, May 3 from 3 – 4 p.m., Todd DeFeo, a member of the Friends of the Smyrna Library board and publisher/editor of Railfanning.org, will present the lecture “Transcontinental Railroad” highlighting how the national railroad network led to the adoption of a standard gauge, including the Western & Atlantic that passes through Smyrna.
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CHICK-FIL-A ATLANTA NAMED TITLE SPONSOR
Chick-fil-A® has been named the title sponsor of the pregame show on the Atlanta Braves’ new BravesVision network, marking the market’s first pregame show partnership with a professional sports team.
Premiering Mar. 27, Opening Day at Truist Park, the Braves on Deck presented by Chick-fil-A pregame show aims to deepen local connections and bring fans closer to the spirit of the game. The show kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Opening Day, setting the stage for an unforgettable home opener against the Kansas City Royals.
“Being a part of the Braves community means a lot to us, and this relationship is about showing up for Atlanta and the fans who bring our communities to life,” said Chris Liberatore, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Calhoun. “This partnership allows us to engage fans in a fresh, exciting way while celebrating the energy and tradition of Braves baseball.”
All pregame shows for home games will be broadcast live from The Battery Atlanta, giving fans a front-row seat to the action before the first pitch.
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LIONS HOLD VISION SCREENINGS
The South Cobb Lions Club along with Bridgett Washington from the Georgia Dept of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) began their first day of conducting vision screenings in preschools. Rising Star Learning Center in Mableton was chosen because of their warm leadership and reputation for excellence. Aaron and Jessica Whitehead had everything ready for us prior to arrival. The four-year-olds that we screened were very well behaved and everything went smoothly.
To the Lions surprise, the City of Mableton Mayor, Michael Owens, and Public Relations Director, Justin Barr, showed up for this special occasion. They came prepared with Certificates of Appreciation. They also took time to thank the staff of Rising Star Early Learning Center for their superb record of educating our future achievers.
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GET INVOLVED AT FREEMAN POOLE SENIOR CENTER
 Seniors, are you looking for activities or need a place to meet new friends? Why not visit the Freeman Poole Senior Center located at 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna? Join a lunch and learn class, enjoy a cooking demonstration, play bingo or join a book reading club. Whatever your interest may be, there’s plenty to do at Freeman Poole.
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
4025 S Hurt Road, Smyrna 30082
(770-801-3400)
Visit Freeman Poole Senior Center’s website for daily activities
Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.
MARCH
The Porsche One Experience
Thursday April 23 but Registration deadline: March 27. Details in April listing.
$28; Registration required. Payment due at registration. Price includes admission & transportation. No refunds will be given unless the trip is canceled.
APRIL
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Wednesday, April 1 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Whether you are new or have been a long-time member of C. Freeman Poole, you are invited to come and learn more about our center, the programs we offer, meet our team, take a tour of our
center, and offer suggestions about activities, events, or seminars you would like to see offered.
Artificial Intelligence Presentation
Wednesday April 1 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
In this informative seminar, you will learn the fundamentals of generative AI (artificial intelligence), how Cobb County Government is using it to improve services, and the ways AI tools can benefit seniors in everyday life. The session will also highlight common AI-related scams and provide practical tips to help you recognize and avoid them. Presented by Nate Goddard, Cobb County IT Services.
Back to Basics: Building Strength for Better Living
Tuesday April 7 from 12:30 .p.m – 1:30
Free; Registration required
Back to Basics! Discover how simple, effective exercise can improve your strength, reduce everyday aches and pains, and enhance your overall quality of life. This session will focus on building core and spinal strength to support better posture, stability, and mobility. Participants will learn practical movements that can be safely incorporated into a daily routine to help maintain independence and stay active. Led by Caitlin from PT Solutions Physical Therapy
Student Spotlight: Piano Classics and Favorites
Friday April 10 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30
Free; Registration required
Join us for a special afternoon of live piano music featuring a talented pianist from Osborne High School. Guests will enjoy a delightful selection of familiar favorites and soothing melodies, all while supporting a gifted young musician from our community.
All About Pollinators
Thursday, April 16 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join Keep Cobb Beautiful for an engaging and educational presentation on the vital role pollinators play in our environment and everyday lives. From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, pollinators are responsible for supporting healthy ecosystems and contributing to one out of every three bites of food we eat. Whether you’re a gardener or community member who cares about keeping Cobb County beautiful and thriving, this session will provide practical tools and inspiration to help protect these essential species.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, April 16 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free; Registration required
Freeman Poole’s Page Turners book club offers a welcoming space to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and discover new authors and genres. The book of the month is Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe.
Stable Horse Visit to Cobb County
Friday April 17
10 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Did you know that Cobb County operates a mounted patrol unit supported by a seven-horse stable? Join us for a special visit to Violet F. Stout Park in Powder Springs, where participants will have the opportunity to meet the horses, learn about the therapeutic program, and gain insight into the training, care, and daily responsibilities of the mounted patrol unit. This engaging and educational experience offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how these remarkable horses serve and support our community.
Freeman Foodies
Friday, April 17 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch on your own; Registration required
Chili’s, 4145 Austell Road, Austell
Strength Training for Osteoporosis
Monday April 20 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
This educational seminar introduces safe and effective strength-training principles specifically designed for individuals living with osteoporosis. Participants will learn how targeted, low-impact exercises can help maintain and even improve bone density, enhance posture and balance, and reduce the risk of falls and fractures. The session will also cover proper body mechanics, movements to avoid, and practical tips for building confidence while staying active. Presented by health professionals from WellStar Health System.
Meet Vinny the Arson Dog
Tuesday April 21 from 12:30. p.m. – 1:30
Free; Registration required
Did you know the Cobb County Fire Department has an arson detection dog named Vinny? Come meet Vinny and his handler, learn about his specialized training, and discover how he helps investigators uncover the cause of fires in our community.
AARP Smart Driver
Wednesday, April 22 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25.00 Non-members; Registration required
Planning with Confidence: Financial & Legal Organization
Wednesday April 22 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Even in the digital world, there are legal and financial documents and information that are crucial to keep and be able to locate. We will discuss a variety of tools to keep this information safe,
organized and available when you need it.
The Porsche One Experience
Thursday April 23 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$28; Registration required
Come join us as we visit the Porsche Experience Center. Participants will take a guided tour through the One Porsche Drive, covering facts about the brand, the story of Porsche in the United States, and everything about the Porsche Experience Center itself. Participants will also be able to enjoy the building and watch the demo laps.
Payment due at registration. Registration deadline: March 27. Price includes admission & transportation. No refunds will be given unless the trip is canceled. Activity Level 3—Longer walking, many stairs, and/or inclines. Mobility Requirements – travelers must be able to navigate on and off the bus independently. If you have any concerns with walking or climbing stairs, please check with staff before registering.
Get to Know Cobb: Meet Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens
Wednesday April 28 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join us for an opportunity to meet Craig Owens, learn more about the Sheriff’s Office and its role in our community, and take part in an engaging Q&A session.
Intergenerational Memory Jars
Thursday, April 30 from noon – 1 p.m.
$5; Registration required
Intergenerational Memory Jars is a meaningful program designed to bring people together through reflection and storytelling. Open to participants ages 8 and older, seniors are encouraged to bring their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to share in this special experience. Participants will write down and exchange cherished memories, favorite traditions, and words of encouragement, preserving them in beautifully decorated keepsake jars. Through guided conversation and creative expression, the program fosters connection, mutual respect, and a strong sense of belonging across generations. Led by the dedicated staff of Freeman Poole Senior Center.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
March
27 – 29: GEORGIA FOOD +WINE FESTIVAL. Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta. March 27-29, Celebrating the flavors, talent and hospitality that make Georgia a culinary destination. Buy Tickets at Festival Events | See Which Day is Right For You! — Georgia Food and Wine Festival
April
8-10: SPRING BREAK for all Cobb Schools.
May
2: SMYRNA GARDEN TOUR: The Smyrna Garden Tour is back on May 2, connecting ticketholders to five of Smyrna’s most beautiful private gardens. This self-guided tour helps raise money to support the work of Keep Smyrna Beautiful, including litter cleanups, habitat rehabilitation, pollinator gardens, environmental education, and more! Sponsorships are available. Learn more at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/garden-tour/
Weekly Organizations
BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com Phone: 770-742-8858
SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 220 (FOR BOYS) AND 1872 (FOR GIRLS). Come to Life Church to enjoy Scouting America’s (formally BSA) programs where we have both Boy and Girl Units. Combined with Pack 22 we provide Scouting for the whole family! Troops 1872 and 220 have monthly campouts/adventures and hold regular meetings located at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). Meetings for Troop 1872 are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. – 3:30 and for Troop 220 on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We are focused on leadership, adventure, and established Scouting Values that have been around for 100+ years. For more information visit www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220smryna
SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome.
THE JONQUIL CITY KIWANIS CLUB meets on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolfe Center at 884 Church St. Smyrna,30080. All are welcome. Please come early for fellowship and refreshments.
SMYRNA BNI: Smyrna Business Exchange BNI, the largest and most successful BNI Chapter in all North Georgia (including the Atlanta Metro area) meets Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. until 8:30 (networking, coffee and breakfast starting at 6:45 a.m.) The group meets at Smyrna First Baptist Church, 1275 Church St SE, Smyrna. Enter behind the church in the “Welcome Center.” You can reach them online at: bniatl.com
TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS! T-Toasters of Vinings is once again holding live meetings every Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. Our meetings are held at 2727 Paces Ferry Rd, Building 2 in the 3rd floor conference room. Look for our banner and come join the fun! For more information visit t-toasters.com or email amberenson@gmail.com.
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY CLUB. In person weekly meeting, and on zoom, every Wednesday at 12 noon. The meetings are held at Copeland’s of New Orleans, 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings. For more information, go to viningsrotary.org, or contact Shawn Bendig at shawnbendig@att.net or 404-374-6027
SMYRNA ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Join for a warm welcome, great fellowship, wonderful speakers, and community, national and international service projects. For more information, email Smyrna Rotary Club at f2@nfiweb.com.
GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scout Troop 625 (K – 6th Grades) is recruiting! We have age level meetings for Mondays or Thursdays at Austell First United Methodist Church. Contact us at 470-399-3629 or troop625rocks@gmail.com.
Groups
RELATIONSHIPS IN RECOVERY. The oldest meeting on campus meets every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Pro North building at Ridgeview Institute, 3995 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. A 12-step format meeting helping people in relationships with the many aspects of recovery.
Extra Bright Sides
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Vickery Hardware, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; and Kroger on South Cobb Drive, Smyrna. Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and the Mable House Arts Center. In Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website www.brightsidecobb.com sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday
E-mail your organization’s calendar news to news@brightsidecobb.com. Please send in a Word format as short as possible and no flyers. Calendar items also go into the electronic weekly every Friday. To subscribe to the eWeekly go to www.brightsidecobb.com and click on the red button.
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NOTES AND NOTICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location. Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. Throughout the year, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will continue regular volunteer events, including Community Cleanups, Storm Drain Marking, and Adopt-a-Mile. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our online volunteer application, which can be found at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/volunteer/
EXTRA COPIES
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.
PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com
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WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE.
REACH OUT to potential new customers/clients through the electronic and print editions of The Bright Side.
Give me a call or email and let’s see how a Bright Side ad can benefit your business. I also welcome good news about people in the community. Give me a phone call at 770-426-9388 or email me at cslipsett@att.net
You can now read the print and the electronic editions of The Bright Side anytime on my website: www.brightsidecobb.com. In addition to direct mail delivery to homes, extra print copies of The Bright Side are available at the Smyrna Public Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Publix at Jonquil Plaza on Atlanta Road, Smyrna Kroger on South Cobb Drive and at Vickery Hardware. Also available at Cobb Hospital, the Treadmill, Austell, the Floyd Road Kroger, Mable House Arts Center, and Mableton Pharmacy.
Cathy Lipsett
Publisher/owner, The Bright Side Newspaper for Southern Cobb
The Bright Side Newspaper (for Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell) and the eWeekly are owned and published by Lipsett & Associates, Inc. Owner and publisher is Cathy Lipsett.
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Advertisers: Reach New Customers
Advertisers, the Bright Side is the best way to reach thousands of homes within a few minutes driving time of your business. The deadline for each issue is the 23rd of the month. Publication is the first week of the upcoming month. Send to news@brightsidecobb.com.
Notes And Notices
Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, in-home child care? We accept short reader ads (up to 50 words) for a fee of $25 per month.
Email the ad to news@brightsidecobb.com and send checks to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd. Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. (No copy accepted by phone) and received prior to our deadline of the 23rd of each month. Publication is in the first week of the following month. We also accept credit card payment. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. House for sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com.
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